| |
Contact:
Julita Peter
Wednesday, February 23, 2005 - The Royal St. Lucia Police Band has
received the Award of Excellence from the Government, on the occasion of the
island’s 26th Independence Anniversary. The announcement was made by Cabinet
Secretary Dr. James Fletcher, at the Annual Independence Day Parade at the
Mindoo Philip Park on February 22, 2005.
Dr. Fletcher also announced that Government had approved a grant of EC$100,000
for the St. Lucia Police Band for the replacement of antiquated instruments and
the production of a compact disc, which has been in the making for some time.
“This came as a surprise to us; all the musicians in the band are very elated,
very upbeat about what was bestowed on the band. We have so much music in our
repertoire that we would like documented on disc, such as indigenous music … we
would really like to see that project come to fruition”, said Gregory Piper,
Assistant Superintendent in charge of the Royal St. Lucia Police Band in an
interview with the GIS.
Throughout this year, the Royal St. Lucia Police Band is to embark on two major
projects, as part of activities marking its 58th anniversary. The projects
involve the continuation of a series of community concerts which the band began
last year, and an island wide tour of schools.
“Of course, when we go and perform at the schools it is not just a matter of a
performance, but we try to make it an educational event as well, to stimulate
the students and to develop a greater appreciation … let them know what the
police band is all about. Of course, there are different types of bands and ours
is unique in St. Lucia, it is the only one of its kind, so we sensitize them and
show them that’s one of the avenues they can look at for a career”, said
Assistant Superintendent Piper.
The Royal St. Lucia Police Band will culminate its series of community concerts
and school tours in a grand classical concert later this year.
|
